York Lane

York Lane is the CBD's much needed coffee shop turned small bar. Caffeine addicts and after-work boozers rejoice.
Eloise Basuki
November 19, 2012

Overview

Navigating the early morning, peak hour commute via train can only be made bearable by one thing. Coffee. Just a groggy stumble up the escalators of Wynyard Station is a caffeinated light at the end of the tunnel: York Lane. Taking the name of the laneway it sits on, York Lane provides everything you need to wipe the sleep out of your eyes in the AM right through to your night-time Negroni.

The breakfast menu has all the usual suspects, Shukshuka baked eggs ($12), corn fritters ($10.80) and eggs on toast ($8.50). For empty stomachs there's the gluttonous Kerry Packer's breakfast; eggs, tomato, bacon, sausage and mushroom with toast ($17) will fix you right up. Takeaway specials are also available and the toast and coffee combo ($5.50) is a quick and cheap choice for those who hit the snooze button three too many times.

After dark York Lane transforms into a trend setter's bar all set to whet your whistle after a tough day at the office. The wine list is small but varied and the list of craft beers will entice both hipsters and beer snobs alike. If you need something with a little more edge, there's a short cocktail list including the classic Negroni ($16) and the refreshing Dark and Stormy ($12). Nibble on something from the tapas menu with Asian flavours such as duck pancakes ($12) or crispy pork belly ($12) or European favourites like the antipasto platter ($22) or cheese-stuffed polenta rounds ($10).

With a capacity of just 30 people, York Lane also offers itself as an intimate nook for a small function. The multi-level wooden interior is the perfect platform for the occasional live music featured. Otherwise vinyl records play all the classic crooners and the beautiful wooden lamps, 70s style tiling and warm, eclectic interior, transport you to a vibrant, vintage world. The concrete jungle you've just escaped will remain miles away for the entirety of your visit.

York Lane is just the place to rectify your early morning blues with decent coffee and easy brekkie. And of an evening you'll replace the caffeine for some well deserved booze. Just do it.

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